Houseplant clinic: why is my begonia growing lopsided?
What's the problem?
I moved my spotted begonia from the kitchen windowsill to the bathroom. It's had a massive growth spurt, and one of the stems has grown really long. Does it need repotting, or is something else going on?
Diagnosis
It sounds like your begonia is responding to the increased humidity and lower light in the bathroom. While the boost in moisture has probably encouraged lush growth, the extra-long, leggy stem suggests that the plant is stretching in search of light – a process known as etiolation. This can cause the plant to lose its compact, bushy shape as it puts all its energy into reaching towards a brighter spot. skip past newsletter promotion
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Help! My rubber plant is droopy
Prescription
It may not need repotting, unless the roots are tightly packed or poking through the drainage holes. Try cutting back the leggy stem to encourage more balanced, bushier growth. You can even propagate the cutting in water or soil to create a new plant.
Prevention
To keep your begonia in good shape, rotate the pot regularly to encourage even growth. Put it in a spot with bright, indirect light and good humidity. Pruning occasionally will also help it stay full and bushy rather than tall and uneven.
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